An AFR meter on the cheap ?

[prebordao]

I'd like to buy an AFR meter but right now I dont want to spend that much, so...

What about finding an old wideband lambda probe (heated), placing it at the exhaust end and taking readings with a voltmeter ?

Will it do the job ?

[Lapkritis]

WWW.14point7.com

Cheapest.

[304065]

Why not buy an innovate LC-1? Around $160. Includes the gauge for instant readings. Plus it will log the data stream for later analysis-- instant information is good, but you can't really make CIS adjustments while you are driving. . .

[prebordao]

304065, the purpose is to tune a new system, so a fixed solution is acceptable.

But 14point7 really has some cheap options...

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by Lapkritis

14Point7 | High Performance Tuning Tools for High Performance Engines

Cheapest.

Hey this one is interesting. With sensor it is $275.00 which is a good deal, but what about software for data downloading.

I did check out the docs and I would be concerned about getting this thing to work. I assume it is made in China as the instructions come in English and Chinese.

For my money I would buy the Daytona-Sensors WEGO unit from out hosts and have something that is well made, good support, good software, good data logging [this is important] and a complete package with great docs. I have been using mine for 5 years and love it. But I am biased in that I am a happy customer.

Innovate is good too, but gets expensive as you add on to get data logging etc..

Just my 2 cents.......You could save $100.00 and not be happy with what you end up with.

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by prebordao

I'd like to buy an AFR meter but right now I dont want to spend that much, so...

What about finding an old wideband lambda probe (heated), placing it at the exhaust end and taking readings with a voltmeter ?

Will it do the job ?

You do need some electronics to go with the wideband sensor. They are not like the old O2 sensors that put out 0 to 1 volt

[RennSport911rsa]

Originally Posted by 304065

Why not buy an innovate LC-1? Around $160. Includes the gauge for instant readings. Plus it will log the data stream for later analysis-- instant information is good, but you can't really make CIS adjustments while you are driving. . .

inaccurate, but inexpensive...better than narrow band though

[RennSport911rsa]

14.7 stuff looks nice, seems to be the Bosch sensor which is good

wonder what the GUI is like ?

OP: are you FI or Carb? If FI, do you have a tunable ecu or is this just for monitoring purposes

[Lapkritis]

I haven't used 14Point7 personally but I know of them as the cheapest controller (The DIY is $35) out there. I've used Innovate LC1, LMA1/2 since 2005 which also use Bosch sensors but do carry a price tag. The sampling output from the controller to ECU interface on both Innovate does deviate from requested which can cause datalogging during tuning to be off by about 1 AFR point in my experience.

My current build will be using the controller EAW-52 as part of VEMS US | Versatile Engine Management Systems engine management installation along with EGT probing on the same gauge. EAW-52 Wideband Controller | VEMS US This gauge can be installed as a stand-alone option as well similar to 14point7 and Innovate... adding EGT monitoring for cheap is icing on the cake.

[Trog]

Tech Edge Pty. Ltd.

[mmahon04]

As far as I can tell, every response above has suggested products which require hard mounting/semi-hard mounting your sensor in place (i.e. gauge provided is powered by vehicle 12v lines). If you're like me and solely wanted a device for vehicle calibration, the Innovate LM-2 is your cheapest bet. Even AEM and Zeitronix require wiring the gauge portion into your vehicle.

Thanks,
Matthew

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by mmahon04

As far as I can tell, every response above has suggested products which require hard mounting/semi-hard mounting your sensor in place (i.e. gauge provided is powered by vehicle 12v lines). If you're like me and solely wanted a device for vehicle calibration, the Innovate LM-2 is your cheapest bet. Even AEM and Zeitronix require wiring the gauge portion into your vehicle.

Thanks,
Matthew

In my experience you cannot get any usable information without welding a bung in the right place in the exhaust. Period.

And I have tried.

[Lapkritis]

I think he meant wiring wise.

Innovate has a clamp that samples the stream at the tip. It works perfectly well with a collector that inserts up the tail pipe. Very popular for accurate reading and tuning with professional dyno operators.

Pics (pardon the fart-can style exhaust):





I have one downstairs for tuning on cars that don't have a wideband as part of permanent monitoring.

[mmahon04]

Originally Posted by dicklague

In my experience you cannot get any usable information without welding a bung in the right place in the exhaust. Period.

And I have tried.

Agreed. I'm referring to the power source for your wideband/gauge setup. Everyone above is mentioning solutions that requiring tapping into existing vehicle wiring. I certainly didn't want to do this, especially if I'm using the device solely for vehicle diagnostics and one-off tuning. With the LM-1, you can simply use a cigarette lighter plug connection.

Thanks,
Matthew

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by Lapkritis

I think he meant wiring wise.

Innovate has a clamp that samples the stream at the tip. It works perfectly well with a collector that inserts up the tail pipe. Very popular for accurate reading and tuning with professional dyno operators.

I have tried it with the collector. Works sort of OK on the dyno. Does not work on the road where you want to test.....due to air mixing with the sample at the tip.

Been there done that.

Ideally you want to test on the road with your driving cycle and then study the data.

[aschen]

AEM and innovate have systems for under 200$ that include guage, sensor and controller. These are the new type with the controller built into the gauge.

[RWebb]

The Innovate LC requires a serial port to connect to a PC. Does anyone still HAVE a PC with a serial port??

[nitram]

Originally Posted by RWebb

The Innovate LC requires a serial port to connect to a PC. Does anyone still HAVE a PC with a serial port??

a $5 serial port to usb adapter will solve that problem....

[fred cook]

Innovate also makes a round AFR gauge that can be mounted under the dash or in the engine compartment. They are available in either blue or red displays. Cost is about $200 for the complete kit. I installed on in my SC coupe to use while tuning the CIS injection.

[Tippy]

I run an Innovate MTX-L. Amazon I believe has them for like $160 IIRC. It's a self-contained unit with data port out and EFI out.